U.S. patent number 7,863,509 [Application Number 12/040,969] was granted by the patent office on 2011-01-04 for mass-loaded ligature for woodwind instruments.
Invention is credited to Philip Lee Rovner.
United States Patent |
7,863,509 |
Rovner |
January 4, 2011 |
Mass-loaded ligature for woodwind instruments
Abstract
A mass-loaded ligature is provided for use in a mouthpiece
system for attaching a reed to a mouthpiece of a woodwind musical
instrument. The ligature is constructed from a flexible strap of
material, either metal or rubberized fabric, having two ends to
which large masses are fixedly secured. The ends of the straps and
masses are brought together to form a loop that is placed over the
mouthpiece and reed. A threaded closure mechanism is used to
tighten the ligature around the mouthpiece. The ends of the strap
are folded over and crimped into slots in the masses to secure the
masses to the strap.
Inventors: |
Rovner; Philip Lee (Timonium,
MD) |
Family
ID: |
41012178 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/040,969 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2008 |
Prior Publication Data
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|
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20090217798 A1 |
Sep 3, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
84/383R |
Current CPC
Class: |
G10D
9/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G10D
9/02 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;84/383R |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Rovner Ligatures, viewed May 14, 2010 at
www.rovnerproducts.com/ligatures.com. cited by examiner .
Passband, http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Passband viewed
May 14, 2010. cited by examiner.
|
Primary Examiner: Enad; Elvin G
Assistant Examiner: Horn; Robert W
Attorney, Agent or Firm: August Law, LLC Willinghan;
George
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A ligature for a mouthpiece, the ligature comprising: a loop
comprising a thin resilient flexible strap of rubberized fabric
having two ends, the loop sized to encircle a mouthpiece; and a
mass attached to the strap, the mass comprising an amount of weight
selected to be large enough to lower passband frequencies of
internal resonances of the ligature sufficiently below passband
frequencies of a vibrating reed secured to the mouthpiece by the
ligature and arranged as two substantially equal masses, each one
of the two masses comprising a slot; wherein each one of the two
masses is attached to one of the two ends of the strap such that
each end of the strap comprises an overlapping fold forming two
layers of the strap and both layers of the strap are disposed and
securely anchored in the slot.
2. The ligature of claim 1, wherein the mass is disposed on at
least one of the two ends of the strap.
3. The ligature of claim 1, wherein each mass comprises a
cylindrical rod.
4. The ligature of claim 3, wherein the strap further comprises two
parallel sides running between the two ends, each cylindrical rod
is aligned along each end to intersect each one of the two parallel
sides at an angle other than 90.degree. to create a frusto-conical
shaped loop that accommodates for a tapered mouthpiece.
5. The ligature of claim 1, further comprising a metal shim
disposed between the two layers of the strap at each end of the
strap.
6. The ligature of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises metal and
each end of the strap comprises an overlapping fold forming two
layers of the strap, both layers disposed within the slot.
7. The ligature of claim 6, further comprising a strip of
rubberized fabric disposed between the two layers of the strap at
each end of the strap.
8. The ligature of claim 1, wherein each mass comprises a
cylindrical rod and each slot extends along an entire length of the
cylindrical rod and partially into the cylindrical rod along a
non-diametric secant line.
9. The ligature of claim 8, wherein the ends of the strap are
disposed over the reed when the ligature is attached to the
mouthpiece, and the non-diametric secant line intersects a plane
tangent to the outer surface of the reed at a point between the two
ends of the ligature at an angle of from about 40.degree. to about
45.degree..
10. A woodwind mouthpiece system comprising: a mouthpiece; a reed
in contact with the mouthpiece; a ligature surrounding the
mouthpiece and the reed to secure the reed to the mouthpiece, the
ligature comprising: a loop comprising a thin resilient flexible
strap of rubberized fabric having two ends, the loop encircling the
mouthpiece and the ends of the strap disposed over the reed; and
two substantially equal masses, each mass attached to one of the
ends of the ends of the strap and spaced from the reed, the two
masses in combination comprising an amount of weight selected to be
large enough to lower passband frequencies of internal resonances
of the ligature sufficiently below passband frequencies of the reed
when vibrating and arranged as two substantially equal masses, each
one of the masses comprising a slot; wherein each one of the two
masses is attached to one of the two ends of the strap such that
each end of the strap comprises an overlapping fold forming two
layers of the strap and both layers of the strap are disposed and
securely anchored in the slot.
11. The mouthpiece system of claim 10, further comprising a metal
shim disposed between the two layers of the strap at each end of
the strap.
12. The mouthpiece system of claim 10, wherein the strap comprises
metal and each end of the strap comprises an overlapping fold
forming two layers of the strap, both layers disposed within the
slot.
13. The mouthpiece system of claim 12, further comprising a strip
of rubberized fabric disposed between the two layers of the strap
at each end of the strap.
14. The mouthpiece system of claim 10, wherein each mass comprises
a cylindrical rod and each slot extends along an entire length of
the cylindrical rod and partially into the cylindrical rod along a
non-diametric secant line.
15. The mouthpiece system of claim 14, wherein the ends of the
strap are disposed over the reed when the ligature is attached to
the mouthpiece, and the non-diametric secant line intersects a
plane tangent to the outer surface of the reed at a point between
the two ends of the ligature at an angle of from about 40.degree.
to about 45.degree..
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to woodwind instruments and in
particular to mouthpieces for woodwind instruments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Woodwind musical instruments, e.g., saxophones and clarinets, and
other devices such as bird calls utilize the vibration of a reed in
response to a flow of air to generate a tone. These reeds include
natural cane reeds and synthetic reeds. Tone generation in general
depends on proper reed vibration. The reed is typically placed in
contact with a mouthpiece to cover an opening or window. The reed
is held in place by an adjustable clamp or ligature that surrounds
the mouthpiece and the reed. Variations in the mouthpiece and
ligature affect the vibration of the reed and, therefore, the
performance or tone of the device or instrument. Various ligatures
have been proposed largely to improve the overall performance of
the instrument.
In any device that is part of a vibrating system, differences in
materials and construction yield different vibrational patterns and
tonal spectrums. In a typical prior art ligature, the configuration
was premised largely on the objective of permitting the reed to
vibrate with greater freedom and less constriction. In U.S. Pat.
No. 5,998,715, the tone is altered in accordance with user
preference by alternating the weight of the cradle that interfaced
the reed. This arrangement demonstrated that variations in the mass
of the ligature construction influence the performance of the
ligature. However, the arrangement was complex in that the
fastening elements at the end of the body were not utilized
effectively in mass-loading the ligature in the region of the
reed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to ligatures and mouthpiece
systems utilizing these ligatures that provide for increased
performance in a woodwind instruments through the reduction of
interfering vibrational frequencies from the ligature. A ligature
is provided that includes a strap or body made of any suitable
material, for example sheet metal, a rubberized fabric sheet or
sheet plastic. The unitary strap encircles the mouthpiece and reed,
and the ends of the strap terminate in relatively large masses that
are in the form of cylindrical rods. An overlap or reverse bend is
configured adjacent to each rod, and the ends of the ligature are
affixed to the rods by suitable means. Preferably, the overlapped
ends of the strap are crimped into slots in the rods. For metallic
straps, a small cushion made of a resilient material, such as
rubber, is located within the slots between the layers of
overlapped strap. When the strap is fabric, a resilient metal shim
is located between the overlapping layers in the slot.
A plurality of parallel slots or slits are incorporated into the
strap adjacent the ends in of the reverse bend. A fastening or
closure mechanism is provided that passes through holes in each rod
to permit affixing the ligature to the reed and mouthpiece. When
the ligature is assembled to the mouthpiece and reed, the inner
surface of the ligature body presses on the reed in a highly
compliant manner as a result of the tightening pressure exerted
upon the cushion and the ligature body by the rods. The relatively
heavy rods in conjunction with the compliance features lower the
frequency band of the internal resonances of the ligature,
improving the tonal quality, playing freedom, intonation, and
response of the instrument.
In accordance with one embodiment, the present invention is
directed to a ligature for a mouthpiece. The ligature includes a
loop made from a thin resilient flexible strap having two ends. The
loop sized to encircle a mouthpiece. A mass is attached to the
strap and has a sufficient weight to lower passband frequencies of
internal resonances of the ligature sufficiently below passband
frequencies of a vibrating reed secured to the mouthpiece by the
ligature. In one embodiment, the mass is disposed on at least one
of the two ends of the strap. Alternatively, the mass is two
substantially equal masses, and each one of the two masses is
attached to one of the two ends of the strap. Suitable shapes for
the masses include cylindrical rods.
In one embodiment, the strap further has two parallel sides running
between the two ends, and each cylindrical rod is aligned along
each end to intersect each one of the two parallel sides at an
angle other than 90.degree. to create a frusto-conical shaped loop
that accommodates a tapered mouthpiece. In one embodiment, each
mass further includes a slot, and the corresponding end of the
strap attached to each mass is disposed and securely anchored in
the slot. In one embodiment, the strap is made from a rubberized
fabric, and each end of the strap includes an overlapping fold
forming two layers of the strap. Both of the layers are disposed
within the slot. A metal shim can be provided between the two
layers of the strap at each end of the strap. In another
embodiment, the strap is a metal strap, and each end of the strap
includes an overlapping fold forming two layers of the strap. Both
layers disposed within the slot. A strip of rubberized fabric can
be provided between the two layers of the strap at each end of the
strap.
In one embodiment, each mass is a cylindrical rod, and each slot
extends along an entire length of the cylindrical rod and partially
into the cylindrical rod along a non-diametric secant line. The
ends of the strap are disposed over the reed when the ligature is
attached to the mouthpiece, and the non-diametric secant line
intersects a plane tangent to the outer surface of the reed at a
point between the two ends of the ligature at an angle of from
about 40.degree. to about 45.degree..
The present invention is also directed to a woodwind mouthpiece
system that includes a mouthpiece, a reed in contact with the
mouthpiece and a ligature surrounding the mouthpiece and the reed
to secure the reed to the mouthpiece. The ligature includes a loop
of a thin resilient flexible strap having two ends. The loop
encircles the mouthpiece, and the ends of the strap are disposed
over the reed. The mouthpiece system also includes two
substantially equal masses. Each mass is attached to one of the
ends of the ends of the strap and is spaced from the reed. The two
masses in combination provide enough weight to lower passband
frequencies of internal resonances of the ligature sufficiently
below passband frequencies of the reed when vibrating.
In one embodiment, each mass further includes a slot running along
its length. The corresponding end of the strap attached to each
mass is disposed and securely anchored in the slot. In one
embodiment, the strap is a rubberized fabric, and each end of the
strap includes an overlapping fold forming two layers of the strap.
Both layers are disposed within the slot, and a metal shim can be
provided between the two layers of the strap at each end of the
strap. In one embodiment, the strap is metal, and each end of the
strap includes an overlapping fold forming two layers of the strap.
Both layers are disposed within the slot, and a strip of rubberized
fabric is disposed between the two layers of the strap at each end
of the strap. In one embodiment, each mass is a cylindrical rod,
and each slot extends along an entire length of the cylindrical rod
and partially into the cylindrical rod along a non-diametric secant
line. The ends of the strap are disposed over the reed when the
ligature is attached to the mouthpiece, and the non-diametric
secant line intersects a plane tangent to the outer surface of the
reed at a point between the two ends of the ligature at an angle of
from about 40.degree. to about 45.degree..
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first side of an embodiment of a
ligature in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a second side of the ligature of FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a first side of another embodiment of a
ligature in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a second side of the ligature of FIG.
3;
FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of a mouthpiece system
utilizing the ligature of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a view through line 6-6 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a side view of another embodiment of a mouthpiece system
utilizing the ligature of FIG. 3; and
FIG. 8 is a view through line 8-8 of FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of a
ligature 100 in accordance with the present invention is
illustrated. The ligature is used to secure reeds to a mouthpiece
for use with a woodwind instrument, e.g., a clarinet or saxophone,
or any other type of device where a vibrating reed is secured to a
mouthpiece. The ligature includes a thin resilient flexible strap
102 having two opposite ends 104. As illustrated, the thin flexible
strap is generally rectangular in shape; however, the strap can be
other shapes including square, circular or trapezoidal. The strap
is sized in accordance with the size of the mouthpiece to which the
ligature is applied. In one embodiment, the flexible strap is about
1'' to about 1.25'' wide and about 3.5'' to about 4'' long. In one
embodiment, the flexible strap has a thickness of about 0.035''.
Preferably, width of the ligature strap is selected to span as much
of the length of the reed as possible to decrease the unit pressure
of the strap in contact with the reed. A decrease in unit contact
pressure on the reed, allows the reed to vibrate more freely.
Suitable materials for the flexible strap include, but are not
limited to polymers, elastomers, metals and combinations thereof.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flexible strap is a rubberized
fabric sheet. The flexible strap can be formed into a loop by
bringing the two ends together. The loop is sized to encircle a
mouthpiece. At either end of the flexible strap is a plurality of
generally parallel slits 118. Each slit runs from one of the ends a
given distance into the strap in a direction that is generally
parallel to the two parallel sides 110 of the flexible strap. As
illustrated, each end contains six slits. The slits contribute
additional compliance or form-fitting flexibility to the strap to
enhance the function of the ligature. The number of slits provided
on each end can be varied depending on the amount of compliance
desired or required.
In one embodiment, the ligature includes at least one mass 112
attached along the strap. Alternatively, a plurality of masses is
attached along the flexible strap. Preferably, the ligature
includes two masses. In one embodiment, the masses are
substantially equal. The mass or combination of masses, in
combination with the high compliance construction of the ligature
strap, provides sufficient weight to the ligature to lower the
passband frequencies of internal resonances of the ligature
sufficiently below passband frequencies of the vibrating reed that
is secured to the mouthpiece by the ligature. In general, the
weight of the mass is significantly more than the weight of the
flexible strap. In one embodiment, the ligature contains one mass
attached to at least one of the ends of the flexible strap. In
another embodiment, the ligature includes two masses, each attached
to one of the ends, i.e., opposite ends of the flexible strap.
Suitable materials for the mass include any material that can
produce an adequate amount of weight to achieve the desired
passband frequency reduction within the space constraints of a
mouthpiece. Preferably, the mass is metal. Suitable metals include,
but are not limited to, copper, brass and stainless steel. In one
embodiment, each mass is constructed from cylindrical bar stock
having a diameter of from about 0.25'' to about 0.5'' and
preferably about 0.375''. The length of each cylindrical mass is
from about 1'' to about 1.5'' and preferably about 1.25''. The mass
can also be a rectangular or square rod or any other elongated
shape. In one embodiment, each mass includes at least one diametric
hole 114 disposed along the length of the cylindrical mass. When
one diametric hole is included in each mass, the hole is located
generally at the midpoint along the length of the cylindrical mass.
In one embodiment, each hole has a diameter of about 0.15''. In one
embodiment, both ends of each mass include tapers 116, cutouts,
bevels or chamfers. These two tapers can be used to adjust, i.e.,
remove, mass. In addition, the tapers provide clearance for the
chin of a user when the ligature is attached a mouthpiece. In one
embodiment, all of the masses are identical in size, weight and
configuration. Since a mass may have to be rotated 180.degree.
depending on the end of the flexible strap to which it is attached,
having identical tapers on either end of each mass facilitates
placement of any given mass on either end of a flexible strap.
Each mass can be fixedly or removable secured to a given end of the
flexible strap. Having masses removably attached facilitates
exchanging or replacing masses. Preferably, each mass is fixedly
secured to a given end of the flexible strap. Suitable attachment
mechanisms include, but are not limited to, fasteners such as
rivets and adhesives. In one embodiment, a slot 122, having for
example a "U" shaped or rectangular cross section, is provided
along the length of each mass. Each slot can extend either
partially or entirely along the length of each mass and extends
into the mass, for example either diametrically or
non-diametrically. In one embodiment, each slot has a depth that
extends partially into the cylindrical rod along a non-diametric
secant line.
The ends of the flexible strap are inserted into the slot, and the
mass is crimped closed on the strap, securely anchoring the strap
into the mass. In this embodiment, the material of the strap
provides the desired cushioning and vibrational isolation or
dampening between each mass and the mouthpiece to which the
ligature is attached. In one embodiment, an overlap 108 is provided
at each end to form two layers of the flexible strap that are
inserted into the slot. Overlapping increases the level of
cushioning as well as the stability of the bond between the mass
and the strap. In additional a rigid insert 106 is provided between
the overlapping layers at the ends of the flexible strap. The rigid
insert also improves the stability of the attachment between the
flexible strap and the mass. Suitable materials for the rigid
insert include rigid plastics and metals including brass and
stainless steel. In one embodiment, the rigid insert is a metal
shim having a thickness of less than about 0.0625'' and preferably
about 0.01''. Although each mass can be attached to the flexible
strap so that the mass intersect the sides 110 of the flexible
strap at an angle 120 of about 90.degree., preferably the mass,
i.e., the long axis of the cylindrical rod from which the mass is
created, is aligned along each end to intersect each one of the two
parallel sides at an angle 120 other than 90.degree.. This creates
a loop having a frusto-conical shape that accommodates for a
tapered mouthpiece.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an exemplary embodiment of the ligature
300 of the present invention is illustrated, where the flexible or
bendable strap 302 is thin metal. Suitable metals include copper,
brass and stainless steel. As illustrated, the thin flexible strap
is generally rectangular in shape; however, the strap can be other
shapes including square, circular or trapezoidal. The strap is
sized in accordance with the size of the mouthpiece to which the
ligature is applied. In one embodiment, the flexible strap is about
1'' to about 1.25'' wide and about 3.5'' to about 4'' long. In one
embodiment, the flexible strap has a thickness of about less than
about 0.0625'' and preferably about 0.01''. The flexible strap can
be formed into a loop by bringing the two ends together. The loop
is sized to encircle a mouthpiece. Attached to an inner surface of
the flexible strap is a cushioning or vibration dampening material
324. Suitable materials include polymers, elastomers and rubberized
fabrics. The cushioning material is fixedly secured to the flexible
strap, for example using a plurality of rivets 326 and is
positioned to be between the flexible strap and the mouthpiece. The
cushioning material is as wide as the flexible strap, and the
length is length than the length of the flexible strap with ends
330 that generally parallel the ends of masses 312 of the
ligature.
At either end of the flexible strap is a plurality of generally
parallel slots 318 that have been cut out of the flexible metallic
strap. Each slot runs from one of the ends a given distance into
the strap in a direction that is generally parallel to the two
parallel sides 310 of the flexible strap. As illustrated, each end
contains six slots. The slots contribute additional compliance or
form fitting flexibility to the strap to enhance the function of
the ligature. The number of slots provided on each end can be
varied depending on the amount of compliance desired or
required.
In one embodiment, the ligature includes at least one mass 312
attached along the strap. Alternatively, a plurality of masses is
attached along the flexible strap. Preferably, the ligature
includes two masses. In one embodiment, the masses are
substantially equal. The mass or combination of masses provides
sufficient weight to the ligature to lower the passband frequencies
of internal resonances of the ligature sufficiently below passband
frequencies of the vibrating reed that is secured to the mouthpiece
by the ligature. In general, the weight of the mass is
significantly more than the weight of the flexible strap. In one
embodiment, the ligature contains one mass attached to at least one
of the ends of the flexible strap. In another embodiment, the
ligature includes two masses, each attached to one of the ends of
the flexible strap.
Suitable materials for the mass include any material that can
produce an adequate amount of weight to achieve the desired
passband frequency reduction within the space constraints of a
mouthpiece. Preferably, the mass is metal. Suitable metals include,
but are not limited to, copper, brass and stainless steel. In one
embodiment, each mass is constructed from cylindrical bar stock
having a diameter of from about 0.25'' to about 0.5'' and
preferably about 0.375''. The length of each cylindrical mass is
from about 1'' to about 1.5'' and preferably about 1.25''. The mass
can also be a rectangular or square rod or any other elongated
shaped. In one embodiment, each mass includes at least one
diametric hole 314 disposed along the length of the cylindrical
mass. When one diametric hole is included in each mass, the hole is
located generally at the midpoint along the length of the
cylindrical mass. In one embodiment, each hole has a diameter of
about 0.15''. In one embodiment, both ends of each mass include
tapers 316, cutouts, bevels or chamfers. These two tapers can be
used to adjust, i.e., remove, mass. In addition, the tapers provide
clearance for the chin of a user when the ligature is attached a
mouthpiece. In one embodiment, all of the masses are identical in
size, weight and configuration. Since a mass may have to be rotated
180.degree. depending on the end of the flexible strap to which it
is attached, having identical tapers on either end of each mass
facilitates placement of any given mass on either end of a flexible
strap.
Each mass can be fixedly or removable secured to a given end of the
flexible strap. Having masses removably attached facilitates
exchanging or replacing masses. Preferably, each mass is fixedly
secured to a given end of the flexible strap. Suitable attachment
mechanisms include, but are not limited to, fasteners such as
rivets and adhesives. In one embodiment, a slot 322, having for
example a "U" shaped or rectangular cross section, is provided
along the length of each mass. Each slot can extend either
partially or entirely along the length of each mass and extends
into the mass, for example either diametrically or
non-diametrically. In one embodiment, each slot has a depth that
extends partially into the cylindrical rod along a non-diametric
secant line.
The ends of the flexible strap are inserted into the slot, and the
mass is crimped closed on the strap, securely anchoring the strap
into the mass. In this embodiment, the material of the strap
provides the desired cushioning and vibrational isolation or
dampening between each mass and the mouthpiece to which the
ligature is attached. In one embodiment, an overlap is provided at
each end to form two layers of the flexible strap that are inserted
into the slot. Overlapping increases the stability of the bond
between the mass and the strap. In additional a flexible insert 328
is provided between the overlapping layers at the ends of the
flexible strap. Suitable materials for the flexible insert include
polymers, elastomers and rubberized fabric. In one embodiment, the
material of the flexible insert is the same as the material of the
cushioning insert. In one embodiment, the flexible insert has a
thickness of less than about 0.0625'' and preferably about 0.035''.
Although each mass can be attached to the flexible strap so that
the mass intersect the sides 310 of the flexible strap at an angle
320 of about 90.degree., preferably each mass, i.e., the
cylindrical rod from which the mass is created, is aligned along
each end to intersect each one of the two parallel sides at an
angle 320 other than 90.degree.. This creates a loop having a
frusto-conical shape that accommodates for a tapered
mouthpiece.
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an exemplary embodiment of a woodwind
mouthpiece system 500 utilizing the ligature in accordance with the
present invention is illustrated. The system includes a mouthpiece
502, a reed 504 in contact with the mouthpiece and a ligature 100
surrounding the mouthpiece and the reed to secure the reed to the
mouthpiece. In this embodiment, the ligature illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 2 is used. As illustrated, the ends of the flexible strap 102
are disposed over the reed 504 when the ligature 100 is attached to
the mouthpiece 502. Therefore, each mass 112 is disposed generally
adjacent the reed and spaced a given distance 614 from the reed by
the flexible strap. Location of the mass adjacent the reed 504
dampens the vibration, i.e., the passband frequencies, of the
flexible strap adjacent the reed. This prevents strap ligature
vibrations from interfering with the vibration of the reed.
As is best illustrated in FIG. 6, the flexible strap forms a loop
that encircles he mouthpiece 502 to secure the reed 504 to the
mouthpiece. By drawing the masses and hence the ends of the
flexible strap together, the strap tightens around the mouthpiece
and the reed. As shown, each slot 122 within a given mass, extends
into the mass partially along the non-diametric secant line 612.
The non-diametric secant line does not pass through the center 604
of the circular cross section of the mass. In one embodiment, the
secant line intersects a plane 610 tangent to the outer surface of
the reed at a point 616 between the two ends or masses of the
ligature at an angle 605 of from about 40.degree. to about
45.degree.. In one embodiment, the tangent point is disposed
generally along the middle of the reed and preferably midway
between the ends of the attached ligature. The non-diametric
alignment in combination with the angle 605 translates the motion
of bringing the ends and masses of the ligature together into both
a constrictive force parallel to the plane 610 that tightens the
flexible strap around the mouthpiece and a holding force
perpendicular to the plane 610 that holds the reed against the
mouthpiece.
The mouthpiece system includes a closure mechanism 506 that is in
contact with and works in conjunction with the ligature to draw the
ends and masses of the ligature together to tighten the ligature
around the mouthpiece. In one embodiment, the closure mechanism is
considered part of the ligature. Suitable closure mechanisms
include clamps and threaded fasteners. Preferably, the closure
mechanism is a threaded rod 510 that is passed through the holes
114 in each mass. The threaded rod has a head 511 that is larger
than the diameter of the hole and threads along the distal end 513
to which a threaded thumbscrew 508 is attached. By turning the
thumb screw in the proper direction, the masses are drawn together,
applying a force that is decomposed into the constrictive force and
perpendicular force and that tightens the ligature. In one
embodiment, the alignment of the holes with respect to the slots
122 in conjunction with the closure mechanism function to define
and to hold the angle 605 of the secant line with respect to the
plane 610. Each hole 114 passes through the center 604 of the mass,
and an angle 602 is defined between the center line 608 of the hole
and the secant line 612 associated with the slot. This angle is the
same as the angle 605 between the plane 610 and the secant line.
Therefore, by establishing the hole and slot, the desired
relationship between the masses, the flexible strap and the reed is
established. In addition, the non-diametric alignment minimizes the
amount of the ligature strap, either metal or flexible, that has to
be cut or removed for the diametric hole that passes through each
mass. Since the width of the ligature is selected to span as much
of the length of the reed, preferably, the ligature is controlled
along the entire width, i.e., the entire width contained within the
slot. Therefore, any breaks in the contact between the ligature and
the mass, for example the cut-outs required by the diametric mass
holes, are minimized. Preferably, the breaks are limited to less
than about 18% of the entire width of the ligature strap. In
addition, the alignment and angle of the slot and hole form a bend
in the ligature strap that spaces the masses from the reed and that
function as an additional cushioning element between the masses and
the reed.
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, an exemplary embodiment of a woodwind
mouthpiece system 700 utilizing the ligature in accordance with the
present invention is illustrated. The system includes a mouthpiece
702, a reed 704 in contact with the mouthpiece and a ligature 300
surrounding the mouthpiece and the reed to secure the reed to the
mouthpiece. In this embodiment, the ligature illustrated in FIGS. 3
and 4 is used. As illustrated, the ends of the flexible strap 302
are disposed over the reed 704 when the ligature 300 is attached to
the mouthpiece 702. Therefore, each mass 312 is disposed generally
adjacent the reed and spaced a given distance 814 from the reed by
the flexible strap. Location of the mass adjacent the reed 704 in
combination with the flexible insert 328 dampens the vibration,
i.e., the passband frequencies, of the flexible strap adjacent the
reed. This prevents strap ligature vibrations from interfering with
the vibration of the reed.
As is best illustrated in FIG. 8, the flexible strap forms a loop
that encircles he mouthpiece 702 to secure the reed 704 to the
mouthpiece. By drawing the masses and hence the ends of the
flexible strap together, the strap tightens around the mouthpiece
and the reed. As shown, each slot 322 within a given mass, extends
into the mass partially along the non-diametric secant line 812.
The non-diametric secant line does not pass through the center 804
of the circular cross section of the mass. In one embodiment, the
secant line intersects a plane 810 tangent to the outer surface of
the reed at a point 816 between the two ends or masses of the
ligature at an angle 805 of from about 40.degree. to about
45.degree.. In one embodiment, the tangent point is disposed
generally along the middle of the reed and preferably midway
between the ends of the attached ligature. The non-diametric
alignment in combination with the angle 805 translates the motion
of bringing the ends and masses of the ligature together into both
a constrictive force parallel to the plane 810 that tightens the
flexible strap around the mouthpiece and a holding force
perpendicular to the plane 810 that holds the reed against the
mouthpiece.
The mouthpiece system includes a closure mechanism 706 that is in
contact with and works in conjunction with the ligature to draw the
ends and masses of the ligature together to tighten the ligature
around the mouthpiece. In one embodiment, the closure mechanism is
considered part of the ligature. Suitable closure mechanisms
include clamps and threaded fasteners. Preferably, the closure
mechanism is a threaded rod 710 that is passed through the holes
314 in each mass. The threaded rod has a head 711 that is larger
than the diameter of the hole and threads along the distal end 713
to which a threaded thumbscrew 708 is attached. By turning the
thumb screw in the proper direction, the masses are drawn together,
applying a force that is decomposed into the constrictive force and
perpendicular force and that tightens the ligature. In one
embodiment, the alignment of the holes with respect to the slots
322 in conjunction with the closure mechanism function to define
and to hold the angle 805 of the secant line with respect to the
plane 810. Each hole 314 passes through the center 804 of the mass,
and an angle 802 is defined between the center line 808 of the hole
and the secant line 812 associated with the slot. This angle is the
same as the angle 805 between the plane 810 and the secant line.
Therefore, by establishing the hole and slot, the desired
relationship between the masses, the flexible strap and the reed is
established.
The ligature of the present invention for affixing the reed to the
mouthpiece of a saxophone or clarinet utilizes both heavy weighting
and compliance elements to subdue the effect of internal resonances
in the ligature, thereby improving the performance of the
mouthpiece system. The mass-loading is as fully implemented as is
practicable, and the arrangement of the ligature is simpler and
more cost effective. The mass loading lowers the passband
frequencies of the internal resonances of the ligature well below
the passband frequencies of the reed when the instrument is being
played, eliminating any tendency of the ligature resonances to
counter the vibration of the reed. The result is a tonality of
greater depth and greater musicality in combination with a decrease
in any tendency to deviate from accuracy of intonation.
When the elements of the ligature that provide the compliant
interface with the reed are backed by weighted elements, the
negative effects of the high compliance are completely mitigated,
and the player experiences complete control of the instrument's
performance. By fastening the body of the ligature into a fold-back
that partially encloses a spring-like cushion, an extremely
compliant interface with the reed is achieved. The ends of the body
are terminated into large, weighted rods, into which fastening
means are incorporated.
While it is apparent that the illustrative embodiments of the
invention disclosed herein fulfill the objectives of the present
invention, it is appreciated that numerous modifications and other
embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art.
Additionally, feature(s) and/or element(s) from any embodiment may
be used singly or in combination with other embodiment(s) and steps
or elements from methods in accordance with the present invention
can be executed or performed in any suitable order. Therefore, it
will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover
all such modifications and embodiments, which would come within the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *
References